Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anjala Brewton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anjala, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

While attending undergrad, I took up doing hair on campus (self-taught). During that time, I was exposed to so many beautiful hair patterns and textures. I also had my fair share of clients with hair and scalp damage/issues. This was the start of my deep dive into researching hair products, their ingredients, and the benefits. Overtime, I found that client’s hair and scalp responded best to natural products. As a biology major who had taken many chemistry labs, it was almost inevitable that I would begin putting the methods I learned into practice, in my case, by coming up with the idea to start my own hair, beard, and skin care company. My ultimate objective was to create natural products with natural ingredients by hand that would offer relief for hair and scalp ailments. These ideas would lead to my research on beard health as well. Moreover, as someone with eczema, I desired to create natural skincare that could benefit people who have sensitive skin and are prone to irritations. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, a few weeks before graduation, I took a leap of faith. I ordered ingredients, created my logo, obtained all legal requirements for operation, and began formulating my products in my studio apartment. The months following the launch of Anj Essentials Co. were slow, but I was determined to keep going. One product after another, I continued to formulate. To my surprise, Anj Essentials Beard Oil started to take off, and remains a best seller to date. Although, my business is quite small and I currently operate in all phases on my own, Anj Essentials is doing very well. I absolutely believe in my vision for this company and I am so excited to see it grow more and more.

Anjala, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Anjala (like Angela, but with a “j”) and hair and skin have always been my passion. At 8 years old, I found myself fed up with the same rotation of hairstyles my mother would do. One day, I demanded to do my own hair, and she let me. Hurricane Katrina had taken the power out and all I had was a brush and hair grease (it was also picture day at the former Devon Aire Elementary in Miami, FL). I simply brushed my hair back, and I had never been more content. I’d continue doing my own hair for years to come. I did plenty of damage, but I learned from my mistakes. It wasn’t until high school I decided to go natural. It was all so new to me, but I was determined to learn how to care for my hair properly. Eventually, I learned how to braid, twist, loc, etc. I ended up taking these learned skills into undergrad, where I started doing hair on Hampton University’s campus to keep myself afloat financially. It was then that I began paying attention to other’s hair and not just my own. I felt so many different hair textures and patterns, and witnessed different hair and scalp issues. This led to me diving into research on products that would best benefit my clients. I ended up putting learned skills from my biology and chemistry courses into practice, especially when it came to conducting research. I take pride in knowing my degree played an integral part in my entrepreneurial journey. It definitely increased my confidence in the execution of my vision for Anj Essentials Co. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, weeks before graduation (virtual), I decided to take what I had written down and make it tangible. I’m so very glad I did. So far, Anj Essentials Co. offers a variety of natural, handmade products. Everything is curated for the consumer who desires natural, chemical free, and environmentally conscious products . Inventory includes a hair oil, beard oil, shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner and more. Each oil is made with pure carrier and essential oils. Furthermore, they are soaked in various herbs that provide additional benefits to the hair and scalp, as well as the skin for our bearded brothers. I am very particular of what ingredients I incorporate in all of my products to ensure that I provide quality natural products. Anj Essentials has recently launched a body scrub, which will be followed up by a body butter. These products make up the company’s first release of skincare products. There will be plenty more launching very soon. I am super proud of the profit and progress Anj Essentials has made thus far. I am super excited to continue growing my small business and bringing all of my ideas to life. Most of all, I look forward to providing quality hair, beard, and skin care products to consumers near and far.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I recently experienced difficulty with my initial source of sales. It is actually a well known online market used by many retailers. My sales started to increase a lot and amazing reviews were being left by customers. However, those highs were short lived when I realized the site began removing my items from my profile. Their reasoning was due to violation of policy, stating I was making “medical claims.” It was as though I had made no sales for those particular products. I felt defeated for a moment. Although I disagreed with their decision, I refused to let it set me back. So, I immediately began researching other platforms and becoming familiar with their policies to avoid experiencing an issue like this in the future. Eventually, I found one that best suits Anj Essentials Co. and its goals. It took some time, but I was able to build a fresh website in a way that best represents Anj Essentials Co. and its products. I am so proud of the website I have created and business has proceeded as usual.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Operating a business often requires the owner be vocal and enthusiastic about their brand and their mission. As someone who was not always naturally outgoing and outspoken, I found it very difficult to find my voice as an entrepreneur. However, I was very aware being timid in this industry would get me no where. In order to reach more customers & increase my company’s visibility, I was determined to unlearn my timid and bashful behavior. It has not been easy, but I have finally found my identity in this space. I am now the loudest spokesperson for Anj Essentials Co. and everything it has to offer. I hope all of my customers and supporters always feel my genuine passion and presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anj-essentials-co.square.site/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/anjessentials.co?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjessentials?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: tiktok.com/@anj.essentialsco?_t=8bs5nFjcwup&_r=1

Image Credits
Anjala Brewton